Gerard's Red and Black Scarf, part 2

As I mentioned in a post on the Regency Reflections blog, I decided to try to knit the Regency scarf that Gerard, my hero, gives to my heroine in my Christmas novella in the Mistletoe Kisses anthology.

I chose A Gentleman’s Comforter from The Ladies’ Knitting and Netting Book, First Series by Miss Watts, originally published in 1837. You can download the .pdf of the Fifth Edition, with additions, which was published in 1840.

I’m pretty sure this pattern was in use in the Regency, because most patterns had been passed down by word of mouth long before they were published. So Jane Austen could have gotten this pattern from a friend or family member and used it when making a scarf for her father. :)

Here’s the original pattern:


I’m not entirely certain what “coarse steel needles” and “5 skeins of fine wool yarn” mean, so I’m guessing. I’m using US 1 needles and fingering weight wool yarn, but you could use anything you want, including larger needles and yarn. Just cast on fewer stitches, making sure it’s an even number.

I got my yarn from KnitPicks.com, and was thrilled to find a “Hollyberry” color way. Very Christmasy!


If you’re interested, here’s my project on Ravelry.

I cast on 72 stitches. I used the same cast on I do when I make top down socks, which is the Norwegian cast on with two needles held together. However, you can use whatever cast on you want. I would suggest, however, that you cast on either with a larger needle or two needles held together.

First row:
Knit 1, move the yarn to the front, slip one stitch purl wise, move yarn to the back
(knit 1 but instead of throwing the yarn once around the needle, throw it twice around before pulling the loop through, move the yarn to the front, slip one stitch purl wise, move yarn to the back) repeat to the last 2 stitches in the row,
knit 1 with the yarn twice around the needle, knit 1 with the yarn only once around the needle.

Next row:
Knit 1 (with yarn only once around needle), slip stitch purl wise with yarn in front, dropping the extra loop, (knit with the yarn twice around the needle, slip stitch purl wise with yarn in front, dropping the extra loop) repeat to the last two stitches, knit 1 with the yarn twice around the needle, knit 1 with the yarn only once around the needle.

Repeat this last row until your scarf is long enough.

It’s basic double knitting, but with a drop stitch, and it looks like because of the two knit stitches on either end, the stitches are a bit poofy and airy, which would make for a warmer scarf, and it would make the scarf softer even if the wool was a bit tightly spun. A tightly spun yarn is typically more durable, and that would make the scarf durable, soft, and warm all at once.

I’m going to try to do red and black blocks, but since I have no idea what the gauge is with this pattern, I’ll have to wing it.

Here’s the start of my scarf!


I’ll be posting as I continue with this pattern, and at the end, I’ll hold a giveaway for Gerard’s scarf!

The Mistletoe Kisses anthology is eight authors writing contemporary romance, historical romance, and romantic suspense novellas for only $0.99 cents! But the sale is ONLY UNTIL NOVEMBER 30TH so pre-order yours today!

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